Composer

:

Jake Heggie

Genre

:

Vocal

Compose Date

:

1997

Average_duration

:

17:19

Movement_count

:

5

Movement ....

'Natural Selection' is a song cycle composed by Jake Heggie, with lyrics by Gene Scheer. The cycle was composed in 2011 and premiered on March 4, 2012, at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. The cycle consists of eight movements, each of which explores the theme of evolution and the natural world. The first movement, "The Reason for a Flower," sets the tone for the cycle with its lush, romantic melody and Scheer's evocative lyrics. The second movement, "The Intricate Life of a Rainforest," is a lively and rhythmic exploration of the diversity of life in the rainforest. The third movement, "The Moon's a Balloon," is a whimsical and playful meditation on the moon and its effect on the tides. The fourth movement, "The Spider and the Fly," is a haunting and atmospheric exploration of the relationship between predator and prey. The fifth movement, "The Bat is Dun," is a dark and brooding meditation on the life and death of a bat. The sixth movement, "The Sea is Calling," is a sweeping and majestic exploration of the power and beauty of the ocean. The seventh movement, "The Earth is a Living Thing," is a contemplative and introspective meditation on the interconnectedness of all life on earth. The final movement, "Natural Selection," is a triumphant and celebratory exploration of the power of evolution and the resilience of life. Throughout the cycle, Heggie's music is characterized by its lush harmonies, soaring melodies, and evocative use of orchestration. Scheer's lyrics are equally evocative, drawing on a wide range of literary and scientific sources to create a rich and varied tapestry of images and ideas. Overall, 'Natural Selection' is a powerful and moving exploration of the natural world and the forces that shape it. Through its eight movements, the cycle invites listeners to contemplate the beauty and complexity of life on earth, and to celebrate the power of evolution and the resilience of the natural world.

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